A few days later, a grey-brown owl tapped on the window of the Shafiq Manor.
William untied the envelope from its leg. On the back was a wax seal bearing a shield crest, with a capital "H" surrounded by an eagle, lion, badger, and serpent.
His name was written in emerald-green ink.
He opened the letter and read:
[Dear Professor William Shafiq]
[We are pleased that you have accepted the position of Professor of Alchemy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please arrive via Floo Powder at 10:00 a.m. on August 20th (location: Deputy Headmistress's Office). If you plan to travel by other means, kindly inform us in advance.]
[Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall]
"August 20th? That early?"
William frowned slightly as he folded the letter.
In his memory, many professors only appeared the night before the September 1st feast. Being asked to arrive ten days early meant there was either significant preparation to be done—or some special arrangement awaiting him.
He didn't mind. In fact, he felt a faint sense of anticipation.
After twelve years, returning to the castle as a professor felt… strange.
For William, Hogwarts held special meaning.
During his student years, the First Wizarding War had been raging. The outside world lived in fear of Voldemort's terror, yet under Dumbledore's protection, Hogwarts had remained one of the few sanctuaries in Britain.
There had been no Dark Marks looming overhead, no nauseating political scheming like at the Ministry. Others might not feel the same, but to William, his school days had been genuinely happy.
"Hiss—!"
"Haa—!"
A noisy burst of hissing shattered his nostalgia.
He turned to see chaos on the sofa. Otto was fighting again.
The left and middle heads had apparently formed a strategic alliance and were ganging up on the irritable right head—the one most prone to starting fights.
"You're certainly full of energy today."
In an excellent mood, William didn't tie Otto's heads together like usual. Instead, humming an old wizarding tune, he flicked his wand.
Pop. Pop. Pop.
Three brightly colored clown-patterned hoods appeared and neatly slipped over Otto's heads.
Peace returned instantly. Three blindfolded snake necks waved around in confusion.
…
August 20th, 9:55 a.m.
William stood before a massive stone fireplace, adjusting his deep-blue robes embroidered with silver patterns one last time.
His father Richard had left early for a gathering without saying goodbye. Only the house-elf Lock stood nearby, ears drooping as he bowed repeatedly.
"Lock," William said with a faint smile while lifting the suitcase containing Otto, "are you sure you don't want to come with me? Hogwarts has large kitchens, but I'm not sure I'll enjoy the food."
Lock trembled violently, eyes wide with panic.
"Oh no, Master! Lock cannot go!" he squeaked. "Master told Lock very seriously last night to stay at the manor and guard it. Under no circumstances may Lock follow Master anywhere—no matter what reason Master gives!"
"He emphasized it was a command. The strictest command. Above all of Master's orders."
William's mouth twitched. His father had clearly anticipated this move.
"Relax, Lock. I was joking."
He grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and threw it into the fireplace.
Green flames roared to life.
"Hogwarts, Deputy Headmistress's Office!"
With suitcase in hand, shaking slightly as Otto struggled inside—William stepped into the spinning fire.
Moments later, he landed firmly on solid ground.
He stepped out gracefully, flicked his wand, and brushed ash from his robes.
The circular office smelled strongly of books. Through the window lay the familiar Hogwarts Quidditch pitch. Behind the desk sat a stern witch with square glasses, grading papers.
She looked up, and her usually tight expression softened.
"Good morning, Professor McGonagall," William greeted warmly. "I hope I'm not late."
"Perfectly punctual, Mr. Shafiq—or perhaps I should now say Professor Shafiq."
Minerva McGonagall stood and assessed him quickly. His appearance surprised her slightly.
She had gauged his aging based on Snape, their classmate, yet William looked barely changed from graduation. Time had left little mark on him.
"It's good to see you again, William."
He could hear the genuine warmth in her voice. Though strict, McGonagall never withheld admiration for truly exceptional students.
And William Shafiq had been one of the most memorable she had ever taught.
After all, a student who achieved ten O's in both O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s was rare even in Ravenclaw.
"The honor is mine, Professor."
"Ordinarily I would show you your office and explain your schedule and staff rules first," McGonagall said, walking around the desk. "However, Dumbledore specifically requested to see you as soon as you arrived."
"He arranged a meeting and asked me to wait until afterward before continuing your orientation."
"Dumbledore wants to see me?"
William was surprised. Since Dumbledore had already invited him, further discussion felt almost unnecessary.
"Yes. Right now. He's waiting in the Headmaster's office."
"Then I'll head there."
Though puzzled, William showed none of it outwardly and followed her into the corridor.
They walked familiar hallways until they reached a massive stone gargoyle.
"Chocolate Frog," McGonagall said.
The gargoyle leapt aside, revealing a spiraling staircase.
"Go on, William."
He nodded and stepped onto the moving stairs. They carried him upward to a gleaming oak door with a brass griffin knocker.
He took a deep breath and knocked.
"Come in," said a gentle voice from within.